By William Adjei
April 2024
"Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man!"1,2
As a member of North Star's board, I've had the privilege of witnessing the school's progression from its humble beginnings to the thriving community it is today, nearing the completion of its third year. At the heart of our school's mission lies the enduring virtues of courage and tenacity, which have guided us through both triumphs and trials, shaping our identity and defining our purpose.
Courage has deep roots in language and culture, tracing back to the Latin word "cor," which means "heart." Courage (or fortitude) was one of the four cardinal virtues of mind and character (the others were wisdom, justice and moderation), formulated to guide individuals in leading a morally upright life and making ethical decisions, and to serve as foundational principles that other virtues depend on.3
Tenacity stems from the Latin word "tenax," meaning "holding fast", emphasizing attributes like determination, persistence, and resilience. It reflects the intention, effort, commitment and perseverance in confronting challenges, not only of great daring, but also of everyday commitments, responsibilities and tasks.
Perspectives Across Time
Various thinkers in history have offered explanations of courage and tenacity, drawing from both biblical teachings and philosophy. Augustine, one of the most influential early Christian theologians, emphasized the importance of courage as a virtue rooted in faith, proposing that true courage is not merely the absence of fear, but the willingness to act boldly in obedience to God, even in the face of daunting temptation and persecution.4 C.S. Lewis explored the concept of courage in his writings, believing that true courage arises from a deep sense of faith and trust in God's grace, empowering believers to stand firm when confronted by spiritual challenges.5 Contemporary author Angela Duckworth, in her book titled "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" delves into her research that suggests that talent alone is not enough to guarantee success. Instead, the combination of passion and perseverance ultimately enables individuals to stay committed to their goals despite obstacles and setbacks, to maintain focus and effort over time, and to continually improve and grow.
More than a few notable figures have exemplified courage and tenacity. Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna and a significant figure in early Christianity, was arrested and brought to an arena to be executed for his faith. As he was being taken into the arena, a voice from heaven was heard saying, "Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man!" Despite being given multiple opportunities to deny his faith and save his life, Polycarp steadfastly refused, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Christ in the face of martyrdom.6 Mother Teresa, the beloved Catholic nun and missionary, embodied courage and tenacity in her tireless service to the poor and marginalized. Also, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who was executed by the Nazis, exemplified courage and tenacity in his own life, embracing suffering and sacrifice.7 Their insights remind us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in spite of it, guided by faith and conviction.
Jesus, Our Ultimate Example
Jesus' death and resurrection stands out as the foremost instance of courage and tenacity in several profound ways. Jesus demonstrated unparalleled resolve in facing his impending death on the cross. Despite knowing the agony and suffering that awaited him, he willingly embraced the path set before him, out of love for humanity and obedience to God's will ("And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." - Philippians 2:8). Throughout his trial, crucifixion, and the agonizing hours on the cross, Jesus displayed remarkable tenacity in enduring unimaginable spiritual, physical and emotional pain. His steadfastness and resolve to fulfill his mission was challenged, but ultimately uncompromised by the intense suffering he endured. What was his source of strength and how did Jesus and these heroes of the ages muster the courage and tenacity to persevere through their difficulties? What might we be able to glean and apply to our own contexts today? What do courage and tenacity have to do with classical christian education in general and North Star specifically?
Living These Out
Martin Luther King Jr once said "I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he is willing to die for, he isn't fit to live".8 He was right. The ability to exercise courage and tenacity hinges on being clear about one's own convictions or beliefs. Like the foundation of a building without which it cannot stand, commitment to virtue in any endeavor is a necessary beginning. For example, this would mean students thinking carefully about and committing to pursuing truth and wisdom in learning, managers choosing to always lead and serve with integrity even when it is disadvantageous, or for those in a committed relationship resolving to be faithful. So first, take a stand.
Second, persistently embrace courage to cultivate inner resilience and endurance. The process of growing in wisdom and wonder requires and further cultivates the boldness to speak up, willingness to try new things even when one is uncertain, and bravery to take on difficult or complex endeavors. Consistent determination over time is key for both developing the self-reinforcing skill of perseverance, and ultimately, overcoming challenges.
Finally, never stop learning and following those who have exemplified courage and tenacity. Incorporate their insights into your own life and endeavors. Reflect on how their approaches to courage and tenacity can be applied in your own personal, academic, and professional contexts. It may well be that your own example becomes the inspiration for someone else in their struggle.
Courage and tenacity are ways to approach all of life, not just qualities to be displayed on special occasions. C.S. Lewis's quote "Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point"9 is helpful here. As we reflect on the legacy of courage and tenacity at North Star, we are reminded that these virtues are more than ideals to aspire to. They ought to be woven into the fabric of everyday life, guiding and shaping our pursuit of truth, wonder, wisdom, and service to others. At North Star, we're not just teaching subjects, we're shaping futures—one courageous, tenacious heart at a time.
1 Polycarp's Martyrdom | Christian History Institute: https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/polycarp
2 The Early Church Fathers Series: Polycarp of Smyrna: https://www.joeledmundanderson.com/the-early-church-fathers-series-polycarp-of-smyrna-part-3/
3 Plato proposed the Cardinal virtues in Republic Book IV, 426-435, and they were further developed by Aristotle in The Nicomachean Ethics
4 Augustine, "The City of God" (De Civitate Dei), Book XIX, Chapters 4-21; and "Confessions" (Confessiones), Book VI, Chapters 11-13
5 Lewis, C.S. "The Screwtape Letters," HarperCollins Publishers, 1942; "Mere Christianity," HarperOne, 1952; "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, HarperCollins Publishers, 1950-1956.
6 Eighty-six years have I served him | InContext - Christian History Institute: https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/incontext/article/polycarp-testimony
7 Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. "The Cost of Discipleship" (Nachfolge), Touchstone, 1995
8 From Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech titled "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches," published in 1986. The specific line can be found in the speech he delivered at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 3, 1968, the night before his assassination.
9 C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (1942) ch. 29, HarperCollins, 1942
©William Adjei | This article was first published in North Star April Newsletter Edition, April 2024.